Raza Stresses Focus as Zimbabwe Aim to Extend Perfect Start

Zimbabwe will look to maintain their perfect start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when they face Ireland at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday with captain Sikandar Raza insisting his side remain grounded despite back-to-back victories over Oman and Australia. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Raza stressed that while the results have drawn global attention there has been no shift in mindset within the camp. “I don’t think we ever left earth anyway, because we know this is just part of the journey we came on and the goals we set,” he said.

While the squad allowed themselves a brief moment to savour the famous win over Australia with travelling supporters and family, the focus quickly returned to the task at hand. “We always knew there’s a next game and that becomes the most important game,” Raza said. “Hopefully we get a good result and then the next game becomes the most important game.

“The victories we’ve had so far will count for nothing, especially if there’s a slip-up now.” Zimbabwe trained at Pallekele on Monday as part of their build-up, using the session to assess a surface Raza believes presents unique challenges. “We’ve had a look at the wicket. We understand the wicket in Kandy is slightly different,” he said. “We understand the different challenges that come with the wicket – the altitude, the travelling of the ball, how the ball comes on – and the notes we’ve made from past experiences.